The Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office has initiated pre-trial proceedings based on media reports concerning alleged abuses within the Road Infrastructure Agency and its provision of free roadside assistance. The investigation involves questioning witnesses and requesting documents from the Agency, among other evidence verification actions. The focus of the inquiry is specifically on activities conducted by private individuals, rather than Ministry of Interior employees.
The allegations center on a scheme involving the unlawful subcontracting of road maintenance activities, reportedly diverting at least BGN 14 million per month (over EUR 7 million). The report claims that since 2025, the Road Infrastructure Agency allegedly subcontracted the provision of 24/7 free roadside assistance to Unit Assist Ltd. This company, in turn, is accused of unlawfully subcontracting the service to at least 11 other businesses.
The publication further highlights concerns regarding the company owner’s professional background and asserts that no state institution had publicly notified citizens about the existence of the free roadside service, despite its inclusion in road maintenance contracts dating back to at least 2014. The report also cited claims of attempts to establish a monopoly favoring Unit Assist, allegedly involving state institutions, alongside instances of pressure and extortion targeting accident victims. In related developments, caretaker Regional Development Minister Nikolay Naydenov stated on April 9 that the state intends to withdraw from what he termed a non-core activity.
He announced that roadside assistance services would transition to competitive market forces, and the practice requiring drivers to use a designated state-linked service would cease.
Topics: #road #free #roadside
